LaRue County Schools’ IT Department Powers Up During Summer Months
While students and teachers enjoy a well-earned summer break, the LaRue County Schools Information Technology Department is busier than ever, transforming the quiet hallways and empty classrooms into hubs of activity and preparation.
“Summer is our busiest season,” shared Freddie Newby, CIO for LaRue County Schools. “It’s the one window of time we have to go all-in on maintenance, upgrades, and system-wide improvements without disrupting the school day.”
That behind-the-scenes work sets the stage for a smooth start in August, especially considering the district’s expansive 1:1 device initiative.
Every K–12 student receives a Chromebook, and every full-time staff member has a district-issued laptop. Over the summer, thousands of these devices are collected, cleaned, inspected, repaired, and updated. New devices are unboxed, logged, and prepared for distribution—all part of ensuring every student and teacher is equipped from day one.
But that’s just scratching the surface. The IT team also tackles deep infrastructure work while the buildings are quiet. This includes strengthening Wi-Fi networks, upgrading firewalls, applying cybersecurity patches, and reconfiguring the district’s phone systems, particularly as classroom spaces are moved or repurposed.
Their work helps ensure every computer, smartboard, and phone is connected and ready to function the moment students return.
Staff transitions also come with a long checklist.
“We manage account creations and deactivations, reassign technology to new roles, and update staff ID badges and access control,” Newby explained.
With plans underway to expand door security, this summer also includes groundwork for integrating internal badge readers to boost campus safety.
The department also supports summer professional development, making sure workshop attendees have functional devices and access to the tech tools they’ll use in the classroom. Meanwhile, systems like Google Workspace, Infinite Campus, and assessment platforms are refreshed and synced with updated rosters.
This year, LaRue County Schools is taking things a step further with several high-impact initiatives. One of the most ambitious projects is a full-scale datacenter upgrade, aimed at boosting network reliability and preparing for future growth in both educational and safety technologies.
“Our datacenter is the heart of everything,” said Newby. “From communications and instruction to security systems, every function depends on its performance. These upgrades will help us better serve students and staff every day.”
Another major initiative includes the district’s application for the federal COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) grant. If awarded, the funds will help expand video surveillance coverage, increase camera clarity, and enhance emergency response capabilities. The grant would also support the installation of electronic door access systems inside school buildings, allowing better control and monitoring of internal spaces.
“Right now, exterior doors are badge-controlled, but internal access is still very manual,” Newby noted. “We want to make sure staff have better control over their environments, and that safety systems are integrated with our emergency protocols.”
On a typical school day, the scale of technology in LaRue County Schools is impressive. Every student and teacher uses a district-issued device. Wi-Fi must support hundreds to thousands of simultaneous connections per school. Learning happens through digital platforms, interactive displays, and cloud-based tools. Meanwhile, essential operations — like attendance, grading, registration, transportation, and lunch services — are all digitally managed.
Instructional Technology Coaches provide added support, helping educators integrate digital tools and lead professional development throughout the year. And behind every successful login or seamless lesson, the IT department is working in the background to make it happen.
“Technology is no longer just an add-on—it’s the backbone of how schools function,” said Newby. “From the classroom to the cafeteria, we’re making sure everything works, is secure, and supports the people who rely on it every day.”
Though summer may seem like a break for schools, it’s when LaRue County’s IT team lays the foundation for a smarter, safer, and more connected school year.